tvN Variety Show "The Great Escape" Under Fire For Misconduct Around Filming Location

tvN variety show “The Great Escape” has been embroiled in controversy after residents complained about the aftermath of filming.

“The Great Escape” is a game show where the members have to work together to get out of an escape room. It’s created by producing director Jung Jong Yeon of “The Genius” with a cast that includes Kang Ho Dong, Kim Jong Min, Super Junior’s Shindong, Block B’s P.O., Yoo Byung Jae, and MMA fighter Kim Dong Hyun.

On July 27, Korean media outlet News1 reported that residents complained about the crew setting off fireworks and leaving cigarette butts on the ground after filming in the mountains.

On July 23 to 24, the show’s cast and crew filmed near Geumnyeonsan Mountain in Busan. According to the reports, the crew didn’t inform the residents of inconveniences that may occur during filming and didn’t clean up properly post-filming.

On July 23, police were called to the scene after residents complained about the drone camera and a possible invasion of privacy. A further issue was that crew members smoked cigarettes and set off fireworks in the mountains where inflammable items are prohibited.

Residents filed complaints when they saw that remains of the fireworks hung in the trees and cigarettes butts were scattered on the ground after the cast and crew left.

One resident said in a phone interview, “After the crew finished filming, they didn’t clean up properly, so I even called tvN. There are still remains of the fireworks hanging here and there until today [July 27].”

In response to this, a source from tvN stated, “The crew was not informed of the complaints that were received over the phone. We cleaned up after filming, but if the residents felt additional inconveniences, we will immediately correct them.”

A source from tvN said in another phone interview, “We cleaned up after filming, but it was inadequate. We’re going to take follow-up measures immediately. We didn’t use fireworks, but shot reel tapes [into the air] after the successful escape. We apologize to the residents who felt uncomfortable. In the future, we’ll pay close attention to the production.”

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